Bringing Ideology in: Differing Oppositional Challenges to Hegemony in Singapore and Malaysia. Issue 3 (4th December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Abdullah, Walid Jumblatt
• Is Part Of: Government and opposition. Volume 52:Issue 3(2017)
• Page Start: 483
• Page End: 510
• Publication Date: 2015-12-04
• Subjects: democratization, -- hegemony, -- transition, -- Singapore, -- Malaysia, -- authoritarian; Political science -- Periodicals; 320.05
• DOI: 10.1017/gov.2015.30
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0017-257X

Abstract

Abstract : This article explores the nature of the main opposition parties to the incumbent hegemonic regimes in Malaysia and Singapore. I argue that the differing characters of these opposition parties should be considered. In Singapore, where there is no ideological challenge to the ruling party, I contend that even if the opposition takes over it will be the end of a hegemonic party but not hegemony. In Malaysia, the opposite is true. This article contributes to the literature on transition theory in two ways: (1) it recognizes the diversity of authoritarian regimes and enhances analyses of various authoritarian regimes by focusing on one type – hegemonic parties; and (2) it brings ideology into the reckoning by focusing on the nature of the opposition parties most likely to take over.